John F Kennedy International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Manhattan is 27 km away and the cheapest transfer, AirTrain plus subway, takes 60-75 minutes: to reach Midtown without rushing you need to count on almost an hour and a half from runway to bed. Anyone landing late in the evening or leaving at dawn has every reason to sleep at the airport, where one hotel is connected to Terminal 5, or a few minutes away by shuttle. Those staying a few days choose Midtown instead, with the E train straight to Times Square. New York traffic is not something to bet on: for international flights the recommended margin is three hours.

At the airport, Terminal 5

At the airport · The TWA Hotel is connected to Terminal 5 by the tubes of the former TWA Flight Center; from the other terminals the free AirTrain inside the airport takes 5 minutes.

Best for: One-night layovers, dawn departures and stops of a few hours between two flights.

Pros

From Terminal 5 you walk to the hotel, from the others it is a 5-minute AirTrain ride
Rooms with soundproof windows and runway views

Cons

Reviews are mixed on cleanliness, service and the cost of the bar and restaurants
Manhattan still takes 60-75 minutes, between AirTrain and subway

Recommended hotels in this area

TWA Hotel at JFK Airport: 512 soundproof rooms in the former TWA Flight Center; rooftop pool, a gym open around the clock and day-use rooms for four to twelve hours.

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Jamaica and the airport surroundings

Airport area · The Fairfield Inn New York JFK Airport has a free shuttle every hour, from 4:00 until midnight: you take the AirTrain to Federal Circle station, where you follow the signs.

Best for: Those after a lower price than the terminal who don't mind a shuttle on a fixed schedule.

Pros

Free shuttle with runs from 4:00, useful for morning flights
Rooms at lower prices than in the terminal, in a chain property

Cons

The shuttle comes once an hour: it has to be fitted to the flight time
Residential district of streets, with no attractions around

Recommended hotels in this area

Fairfield Inn New York JFK Airport: Free shuttle every hour between 4:00 and midnight; on arrival you take the AirTrain to Federal Circle, where the shuttle picks up guests.

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Midtown and Theater District

City centre · AirTrain to Jamaica, then the E train to Times Square-42nd Street, 60-75 minutes in all; or the LIRR to Penn Station (Moynihan Train Hall).

Best for: Those staying several nights who want theatres, Times Square and the main attractions on foot or by subway.

Pros

The E train reaches Times Square with no change after Jamaica
Theatres, restaurants and several subway lines a few steps away

Cons

Long transfer with suitcases between AirTrain, stairs and subway car
Noise and crowds at night, and high prices for the location

Recommended hotels in this area

Arlo Midtown: In the Theater District, on West 38th Street; a rooftop bar with views of Hudson Yards and One World Trade Center, and an on-site restaurant.

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